2014 Recruiting Hot Board
There is no rest for the weary. The 2013 recruiting cycle may have just come to an end, but Florida State's staff is already hard at work for the 2014 class. Who are some of the prospects they are targeting? Find out in the debut Warchant.com's 2014 Hot board.
| Quarterback (1) |
J.J. Cosentino
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6-5/215
Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
This right hander was offered earlier this month by FSU assistant coach Sal Sunseri, who has strong ties to the Central Catholic program, where his son Tate was the quarterback. Cosentino shows great touch on the post routes and his biggest strength is his poise in the pocket and mid range throws. Cosentino has confirmed that he will visit FSU for their February 15 junior day. FSU was his first offer, but other schools that are in the mix include Penn State and Michigan State is close to offering. South Florida, Virginia and NC State are also involved early on.
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Others in the mix: D.J. Gillins, Justice Hansen, Tyler Harris, Deshaun Watson
Comments: Since the 'Noles decided not to take a quarterback for the 2013 class, it made it imperative that they focus hard on getting at least one quarterback in 2014. Two quarterbacks would not be ruled out, but for now I believe it's safe to say one quarterback is what we expect at this time. Keep in mind the board will likely expand or change once the new quarterback coach/offensive coordinator is announced.
| Running back (3) |
Sony Michel
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5-11/180
American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Sony-Michel-1108311">Video
Although many thought the departure of Eddie Gran would really destroy FSU's chances, it actually hasn't stopped Michel was thinking about the Seminoles. He has several friends who just signed or are currently on the team. He talks with Matthew Thomas, Jesus Wilson and has visited FSU at least three times last year. Michel doesn't have any current leaders, but most close to him feel this one will be an FSU, Georgia and Miami battle. He grew up a Hurricane fan, but that won't influence his decision. What does hurt the 'Canes chances are that Michel had a close relationship with Terry Richardson, who recently left Miami to be Jacksonville Jaguars' new head coach.
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Kamryn Pettway
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6-0/220
Prattville (Prattville, Ala.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Combine-Analysis-Kamryn-Pettway-1112026">Video
Pettway is a candidate that would fit the running back/full back position. He has very good wiggle to his game for a big back and has the power to run in any offense as a lead back. His biggest strengths would be his vision and quickness for a running back over 210 pounds. FSU is the leader at this stage and will visit for junior day on February 15. The 'Noles offered earlier this year. Pruitt has watched since he was a sophomore, so a good bond has developed.
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Jonathan Vickers
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6-0/205
North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Jonathan-Vickers-1112007;_ylt=ArmK1XjZyvQh2zTzQ1bzPb6Jr5B4">Video
Vickers had a knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2012. Don't be surprised if FSU makes a run at this local talent, he is one that Pruitt has established a very good early bond (while he was at Alabama). According to NFC Head coach Robert Craft, Pruitt was one of the main reasons why Vickers was so high on the Crimson Tide.
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Others in the mix: Davin Cook, Leonard Fournette, Jalen Hurd, Tony James, Derryl Scott, Stanley Williams
Comments: Look for the Seminoles to take at least two running backs and one that can be used as a fullback/running back. The Seminoles already have Joseph Yearby, a four-star back that is very firm in his decision. Look for FSU to go after bigger backs in this cycle.
| WIDE RECEIVER (2-3) |
Ermon Lane
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6-2/172
Homestead (Homestead, Fla.)
href="http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/ERMON-LANE_7_19_150.JPG">Video
After FSU came up short at wide receiver after Stacy Coley picked Miami, we expect Florida State to make a serious run at Lane, who attended the summer camp at Florida State last year. Lane, like Coley grew up a fan of Miami but is open to leaving the area and even said at the end of the year that FSU and Alabama were the teams out in front at this stage.
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Artavis Scott
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5-11/180
East Lake (Tarpon Springs, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Scott-shines-both-on-offense-and-defense-1106136">Video
The more and more I check, I believe Scott will be that slot receiver FSU makes a major push for and likely lands at this stage. Scott is very close with Lawrence Dawsey and is more impressed about the FSU passing offense than the other in-state schools he's seen. What makes him such a perfect fit is how elusive Scott is out in space. In talking with Scott recently he's seemed to mention FSU more than any other school. He also plans to attend the FSU junior day on February 15th.
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Others in the mix: Braxton Berrios, Jacob McCrary, Malachi Dupree, Josh Malone, Isaiah Ford
Comments: FSU brought in a solid class for 2013 that was focused more on speed and athletic ability than size. Look for the Seminoles to take one slot receiver and the rest are probably going to be bigger targets that can really tear up the middle of the field. In addition, I would not consider either C.J. Worton, JoJo Robinson as 'given' to be in this class by talent or by choice because they were both mainly recruited by James Coley. Robinson is more likely out of the two as I don't get the impression the staff is as high on him as Coley was. Look for Florida State to take two or three receivers for this class. The good news is there are a ton of great receivers for the 2014 class and that might be good and bad news in picking the right one.
| Offensive Line (6) |
Andy Bauer
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6-6/304
DeSmet (St. Louis, Mo.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Andy-Bauer-1110115">Video
Although he is from Missouri, his family are fans of Florida State. He visited FSU last year to get a closer look at the prorgram and campus. Expect Bauer to return for at least one more visit in the spring and attend a game or two during the season. I hear he is one to watch.
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Garrett Brumfield
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6-3/275
University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Garrett-Brumfield-1108251">Video
When we last spoke with Brumfield, he had three teams at the top of his list - FSU, Texas A&M and Florida but in no particular order. However, during the Under Armour event Garret hinted that Florida might hold a slight advantage. After the National Signing Day, his changed again. FSU is the team he's talked about the most or hinted have the lead. Playing time is the biggest factor. Brumfield plans on visiting FSU for the spring game.
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Mason Cole
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6-5/275
East Lake (Tarpon Springs, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Mason-Cole-1110161">Video
Last year at FSU's summer camp, Cole spent a ton of time working with Rick Trickett and feld comfortable with him. However, more teams have jumped into the picture. Michigan and Notre Dame both stand out more at this stage. But factors in FSU's favor include he grew up a fan, his relationship with Trickett and he plans on visiting FSU several times this spring. So, look for FSU to move back up the radar.
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Corey Martinez
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6-4/290
Tampa Catholic (Tampa, La.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Corey-Martinez-Soph-Highlights-1101742">Video
Martinez is another top prospect in-state that the staff has liked for a while. Rick Trickett offered and the Seminoles were the first major in-state program to offer Martinez. With FSU's need on the line over both Florida and Miami, you have to think FSU would make a major push here. Martinez wants to make an early decision, but so far has not hinted any leaders.
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Damian Prince
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6-7/310
Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Damian-Prince-1109872">Video
One of the top targets overall is certainly be Prince. Odell Haggins is is lead recruiter. Prince is friends with Ronald Darby and has even spoken with EJ Levenberry, so he certainly is aware of Florida State . I hear from those close to Prince that FSU is a serious team to watch, if not the leader at this stage. Prince has also spoken with Rick Trickett a few times and he plans to attend the FSU spring game later this year.
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Others in the mix: Alex Bookser, Orlando Brown, Jermaine Eluemunor, Riley Gibbons, Brock Huble, Sam Mustipher, Steven Moss, Will Richardson
Comments: There is no doubt the most important position year in and year out is the offensive line. Even more so than usual, when you consider in two years FSU has signed five prospects. So, there will be a high number of targets the staff will have their eye on. Offensive tackle will be the key and I would look for the 'Noles to sign four tackles and two guards for this class. At the very least, that's the goal for the 2014 recruiting class.
Others in the mix: Kevin Crosby, Tyler Luatua
Comments: FSU added one tight end in the 2013 class and would like to add another as a receiving one in this class. Moral Stephens could fit that role if he decides to be list as a tight end, but he's more of an H-back at this stage.
| Defensive tackle (2) |
Andrew Brown
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6-4/292
Oscoar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Andrew-Brown-1109529">Video
Every year FSU assistant coach Odell Haggins has targeted one of the highest prospects on the board and four straight years he's gotten his man. This year that guy is Andrew Brown, who we are told is expected to take multiple visits to FSU in the spring, along with another trip in the summer. Brown knows Ronald Darby, EJ Levenberry and Quin Blanding, so FSU has some connections. Brown has noticed the job FSU has done lately with their defensive tackles, the history and that has intrigued him a lot. Brown doesn't have a leader at this point, but FSU, Florida, Alabama and Virginia are teams that stand out. The 'Noles already have DeMarcus Christmas and if the they could pull off Brown, that's another deadly combination.
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Elisha Shaw
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6-6/299
Tucker (Atlanta, Ga.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Elisha-Shaw-1108309">Video
Shaw was one of the most talented prospects at FSU's summer camp last year. Without question, he was the best overall defensive tackle with his quickness and power standing out much of the week. He has established a very good relationship with Odell Haggins and has mentioned FSU many times on his short list. Georgia, Alabama and FSU are teams that Shaw talks about the most even though he denies having any teams that stand out at this point. Shaw is expected to visit FSU soon. Maybe as early as the junior day next weekend.
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Others in the mix: Khairi Clark, Andrew Moten, Derrick Nnadi, Travonte Valentine (Florida)
Comments: FSU added one tight end in the 2013 class with Kerr and would like to add another as a receiving one in this class. Moral Stephens out of Taylor County could fit that role if he decides to be listed or wants to be list as a tight end but he's more of an H-back at this stage. With Crosby the Noles have to catch up with LSU we are told. With Luatua he has family in the Florida area and we are told would like to play in the South. But even still were in the early stages of contact as FSU is working on landing an early visit in the spring.
| Defensive end (2-3) |
Lorenzo Carter
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6-5/221
Norcross (Norcross, Ga.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Lorenzo-Carter-1109819">Video
Before the new coaching hires you would not have even considered Florida State a threat here for Carter because of the SEC powers like Georgia and Alabama holding the edge. But with the new staff at FSU have several factors working for them. The first and probably the most important would be Charles Kelly, who's strongest area is at Norcross. Kelly is thought to have the strongest relationship at this school out of any assistant coach. In addition, Sal Sunseri has already dropped by the school a few times to show presence at Norcross. Look for Carter to attend an FSU summer camp later this year, as well as one more visit in the spring.
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Da'Shawn Hand
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6-4/245
Woodbridge Senior (Woordbridge, Va.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-DaShawn-Hand-1109493">Video
Without question Hand will be the top prospect on the board for the Seminoles. Currently FSU is not listed in the top five, but we expect that to change with his connections to E.J. Levenberry and even Quin Blanding, along with Sal Sunseri. In addition, FSU assistant coach Odell Haggins has also established an early bond with the Hand family. Expect him to probably check FSU out this spring.
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Justin Thornton
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6-5/215
Vigor (Prichard, Ala.)
Without question Hand will be the top prospect on the board for the Seminoles. Currently FSU is not listed in the top five, but we expect that to change with his connections to E.J. Levenberry and even Quin Blanding, along with Sal Sunseri. In addition, FSU assistant coach Odell Haggins has also established an early bond with the Hand family. Expect him to probably check FSU out this spring.
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Others in the mix: Kendall Baker, Jaylyn Holmes, Blake McClain, Chad Thomas, Denzel Ware, Andrew Williams
Comments: FSU filled the need at this position after landing three in last year's class and will need that same kind of production for 2014. Denzel Ware decommitted from the Seminoles but we still hear he is heavily involved with FSU, especially Jeremy Pruitt, who built a very solid early bond with Ware. Chad Thomas is also another to watch here. He's pretty close to Matt Thomas and at this time we would have to say that's working strongly for the 'Noles at this stage.
| Linebacker (2-3) |
Kain Daub
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6-3/249
Sandalwood (Jacksonville, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Kain-Daub-1109730">Video
Without question the top overall uncommitted target on the board for the 'Noles is Daub, who has visited FSU twice in the past three weeks. His close friend DeMarcus Walker is an early enrollee at Florida State. But an even bigger shift of momentum would be that Jeremy Pruitt has given FSU a solid advantage. In fact, we hear Daub was close to committing. Daub also wants to follow the same plan as close friend Walker and enroll early. LSU, FSU and Florida seemed to be the teams linked with Daub, but the Seminoles clearly hold the advantage at this stage.
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Christian Miller
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6-4/200
Spring Valley (Columbia, SC.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Christian-Miller-1110558">Video
If the Noles are going to take another outside linebacker for this class,don't be surprised if Miller is that guy. He is close friends former FSU standouts Michael and Peter Bouleware. Miller's family is also close with the Bouleware family. He has kept a close eye on FSU a lot in the past two years, especially at linebacker including Christian Jones, who Miller has called one of the guys he models his game somewhat after. Miller is expected to visit FSU for this weekend's junior day and also attend several games this year. Look for this to be an Alabama/FSU battle.
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Others in the mix: Tre Williams, Kevin Mouhon, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Rashaan Evans, Jacob Pugh, Chase Winovich
Comments: After landing five linebackers last year, FSU would like to bring in two linebackers for this class, maybe an outside shot at three. Delvin Purifoy is a commitment and he is an inside linebacker.
| Safety (1-2) |
Quin Blanding
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6-2/196
Bayside (Virginia Beach, Va.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Quin-Blanding-1110816">Video
Arguably one of the most important prospects on the radar when you consider how much Blanding could help with the rest of the class and be that bell cow recruit FSU seems to have nearly every year. Blanding is good friends with Jalen Tabor, Da'Shawn Hand, among others, so his influence alone would be big. Virginia/FSU battle here and we still feel FSU is sitting in solid position at this point. He plans to visit FSU at this weekend's junior day or shortly thereafter. Blanding wants to make a decision before the start of his senior season.
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Montae Nicholson
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6-2/200
Gateway (Monroeville, Aa.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Montae-Nicholson-1108267">Video
This is one of the reasons Sal Sunseri was brought in - his experience as a coach and his recruiting along the East Coast. Nicholson likes the attacking and aggressive style of FSU football, but wants to see more of what FSU has to offer during a visit. That should likely take place in March or for the FSU spring game.
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Others in the mix: Trey Marshall, Todd Kelly, Daejuan Funderburk, T.J. Harrell, Cortez McDowell, Deion Singleton, Tony Fields
Comments: While FSU certainly has players that can ultimately fill the position with John Franklin or Nate Andrews, the 'Noles want to get a few players that are specifically safety prospects for this class. Therefore look for the Seminoles to take two prospects at the most for the safety position.
| Safety (1-2) |
Kendall Randolph
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5-11/175
Lincoln (Tallahassee, Fla.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Kendall-Randolph-1109918">Video
It's always good to keep local talent at home and FSU will get that chance this season with Randolph. He would be an important start for the 'Noles considering they have not landed a commitment from Lincoln since 2008 when they have got Jabaris Little and Josh Gehres. Currently FSU, Florida and Auburn are battling it out. He claims no leaders. Randolph is hoping to visit the FSU junior day this weekend.
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Jalen Tabor
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6-0/181
Friendship (Washington, D.C.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Jalen-Tabor-1109893">Video
The Seminoles have work to do with Tabor, but the connections are there to be in serious contention. He is close friends with Ronald Darby, Eddie Goldman and EJ Levenberry. In addition, one of Tabor's favorite schools headed into the end of the season was Alabama. The reason you ask? Jeremy Pruitt. So look for the 'Noles to make a run here as well.
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Others in the mix: Nigel Patten, D'Andre Payne, Jermaine Roberts
Comments: This could be the toughest sell for the 'Noles considering that they just landed five star corner Jalen Ramsey and very highly regarded corner Marquez White. But there is still need for depth for at least one more corner in the 2014 class. FSU currently has one commitment as a defensive back in J.C. Jackson, who can play there or receiver, but his commitment looks rather shaky at this stage.
| Athlete |
Myles Autry
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5-10/175
Norcross (Norcross, Ga.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Myles-Autry-1108274">Video
This all-everything athlete is one to watch. He has always had a great bond with Charles Kelly. Autry can be used at slot, running back and even on the defensive side of the ball. Most like Autry as a running back, but FSU likes him as slot, running back and defense. Georgia is the main competition at this point. There is a good chance Autry will likely attend the FSU junior day this weekend with teammates Lorenzo Carter and Kevin Mouton.
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Elijah Hood
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6-0/212
Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.)
href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Rivals-Spotlight-Elijah-Hood-1110988">Video
Hood is being recruited by FSU assistant coach Billy Napier, who extended the offer last week. Also in early January, Hood said five schools stood out and Georgia Tech was one of those. The reason was his relationship with Charles Kelly. Hood could play either the linebacker or skill position. He hopes to visit FSU in March.
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Others in the mix: Treon Harris, Brandon Powell, Maurice Hall
Comments: The athlete position is maybe the toughest to dissect. These prospects can play multiple positions, so there really isn't a number of prospects to predict with this position, but there are several names that fit the category.
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